Medan, October 19, 2026 — The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), explored cooperation with DBN Group, an agricultural technology company based in Beijing, China, during a meeting held in the Dean's Meeting Room of FP USU on Monday (October 19). The discussion addressed potential collaboration in the development of agricultural technology, livestock farming, aquaculture, feed technology, as well as research and product development to support the advancement of the agricultural sector.
The DBN Group delegation was represented by Mr. John Zhang, General Manager of the Global Supply Chain Division, and Mr. Vernon Jin, International Trade Manager of the Global Supply Chain Division. Representing FP USU were the Dean of FP USU, Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo, S.P., M.Ec.; Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Dr. Ir. Posma Mangasi Pintaria Marbun, M.P.; and Manager Dian Pebriyani, S.P., M.P. Also present were the Heads and Secretaries of the Undergraduate Program in Animal Science, the Undergraduate Program in Aquatic Resources Management, and the Undergraduate Program in Agribusiness.
During the discussion, Mr. John Zhang explained that the visit marked DBN Group's initial step toward identifying collaboration opportunities suited to Indonesia's needs, including the development of feed formulations based on locally available raw materials, product testing, and human resource development.
“This is our first official visit to Indonesia on behalf of DBN Group. We aim to explore opportunities to address local nutritional needs through locally adapted formulations. We are also interested in talent development, product testing, seminars, and other collaborative initiatives with Universitas Sumatera Utara,” he said.
The Dean of FP USU, Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo, S.P., M.Ec., welcomed the cooperation opportunities. He highlighted low domestic soybean production as one of the food security challenges requiring technological support and innovation. According to him, DBN Group's technology has the potential to help improve soybean productivity in North Sumatra while opening opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
“One of the commodities receiving significant attention from the government is soybean, as domestic production remains relatively low. We hope that DBN Group’s technology can contribute to improving soybean productivity in North Sumatra. Beyond crop production, we also see opportunities to collaborate in livestock farming, aquaculture, feed technology, and agribusiness development through research, innovation, and industry partnerships,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Dean explained that FP USU has laboratory facilities that could be utilized to support joint research, including opportunities to develop a joint laboratory, conduct product testing, and develop feed formulations. The collaboration has the potential to involve the Undergraduate Program in Animal Science, the Undergraduate Program in Aquatic Resources Management, and the Undergraduate Program in Agribusiness. It could also open opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation with the fields of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Pharmacy to strengthen research and product development.
Mr. John Zhang expressed his appreciation for the collaboration opportunities and hoped that communication between the two parties would continue through further meetings and discussions to formulate concrete and mutually beneficial cooperation programs.
This exploration of cooperation is expected to strengthen synergy between higher education institutions and industry in generating innovations applicable to the agricultural sector. The initiative aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through support for productivity and food security, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through technological development and applied research, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening international collaboration between academia and industry.